Do you advertise your business with give-away things like pens or coffee mugs? I think that kind of thing can be effective if the item is high quality.
I've been given pens that have become my favorites because they weren't just cheap ones.
And a couple of weeks ago I received a high quality T-shirt from a friend's Reggae label. I'll wear it till it wears out.
If I am customer, I will surely be attracted by give-away items.
By the way, is give-away item alternative word for free item? It seems that the word "give-away" is more popular than "free." I guess it is because the word sounds better.
Giving away some things is surely an added premium to your selling. So much so that if you have offered anything that is also as practical and useful as that one sold primarily, ims ure your market would in no time grow!
I like everything free. I like getting more than what I paid, so I will happily accept those givev away items. It's still an effective strategy to boost your sales. I myself currently give many ebooks away on my website and nothing required in return.